The ‘Stranger Things‘ Creators Want to Take the Show Outside of Hawkins If They Get a Fourth Season

Stranger Things season 3 finally premiered, but you’re probably already finished with it, right? The kids are older, the monsters are scarier and the love stories are more serious. Also, there’s no such thing as too much ’80s clothing and background music. If you’re already counting down the days until season 4 of the Netflix series, here’s a rundown of everything we know about an what’s next for Hawkins.

First thing’s first: Will there even be a season 4?

So, the answer is probably yes. The show’s obviously a huge hit, and even though it hasn’t officially been renewed by Netflix yet, producer Shawn Levy and show creators Matt and Ross Duffer (aka the Duffer Brothers) have all basically confirmed a season 4—and potentially more!

Last April, Levy told Collider that “season 4 is definitely happening,” and even went on to tease a potential season 5. (Plz don’t lead us on and break our hearts.) In the past, the Duffer brothers have said they wanted to end the series with a season 5.

In 2017, Matt told Vulture, “I don't know if we can justify something bad happening to them once a year.” I mean, understandable. Talk about a rough childhood.

Photo credit: Netflix

They also apparently already know what would happen in season 4.

Levy has said that while the guys have a pretty good idea of what would happen in the fourth installment, there would probably still be some surprises even he isn’t aware of yet. Apparently the Duffer brothers don’t always follow their original script outline.

It might take place outside of Hawkins.

In a recent interview with Entertainment Weekly, the Duffer Brothers said they're excited to explore places other than Hawkins if they get a fourth season.

“I think the biggest thing that’s going to happen [in ‘Stranger Things 4’] is it’s going to open up a little bit, not necessarily in terms of scale, in terms of special effects, but open up in terms of allowing plotlines into areas outside of Hawkins,” Matt Duffer said.

And Ross Duffer teased this little bit of info: “Assuming there’s a season 4, obviously the question of who that American is in that cell and then also what they’re doing with the Demogorgon, is a tease,” Ross said. “That’s obviously going to play a huge role in a potential season 4.”

When would a fourth season air?

The first two seasons premiered in the fall, with season 3 being the first to debut in the summer. They started filming the third season last April, so there’s a solid chance we could get another fall season (since they have yet to even confirm it) or even our very first winter season. Bring on those ’80s Christmas sweaters.

Would everyone come back for S4?

Obvs all our alive (no spoilers!) main characters are returning for season 3—and we would assume the same for season 4. Insert praying hands emoji here.

Photo credit: Netflix

There are a few newbies in season 3 we could potentially see again in the future. Cary Elwes is playing the mayor of Hawkins, and Jake Busey is playing a sketchy reporter. Also, Priah Ferguson—who plays Lucas’ absolute sass little sister, Erica—is being added as a regular character, which is the most exciting news ever.

In the meantime, here’s the cutest video of Gaten Matarazzo

Need more stuff to watch? Feast your eyes on this vid of Gaten playing Cosmopolitan’s Expensive Taste Test. Yes, there are cheeseburgers and lipstick involved. Yes, it is hilarious and adorable at the same damn time.